The stage is set for Byron and Dixon for BNC football supremacy. More importantly, is a chance for both squads to finally be tested.
It is a given that Byron is outstanding. The jury is still out on Dixon, Last year, they also came into the Byron game undefeated, but were rolled 49-6.
The Dukes did have a strong showing in the 4A playoffs and come in to Friday’s game ranked No. 2 in the state. But, that ranking could be deceiving considering the Big Northern is having a down year.
Will this highly-anticipated showdown of 7-0 vs 7-0 live up to all the hoopla? Not sure, but look forward to making the short drive to Dixon to check it out for myself and what’s shaping up to be another gorgeous night for football.
I can’t recall a season with such unseasonably warm and dry conditions, though the COVID-19-cancelled fall of 2020 seemed to always be nice out on Fridays.
It was a huge win for Stillman Valley in overtime over Genoa-Kingston. While driving near DeKalb Friday night, I randomly switched a radio station on and it was broadcasting the game.
On the final play, G-K blocked an extra point that would have won the game for SV in the overtime. But, the Cardinals still won as the holder alertly picked up the ball and found a receiver in the end zone for the 22-20 win.
At least, that’s how the announcer described things before quickly signing off. It was quite a bizarre ending and one that virtually guarantees 4-3 SV a playoff berth with 1-6 Winnebago on deck.
Winnebago’s biggest problem is low numbers. They have a good coach in Mark Helm and solid program in place, but without bodies, it is tough to stay competitive.
Rock Falls lost to Oregon 55-19 and continue to be an enigma, having 30 losing seasons in past 31 years. Different methods have been employed to kick start the program, but nothing has worked, though the Rockets have been good in other sports like baseball and basketball.
Under former athletic director Rich Montgomery, Rock Falls had even adamantly refused to offer soccer in the fall, so as to not dilute participation in cross-country, football and golf.
Having been friends with Rich since covering his wrestling teams 25 years ago, I will miss seeing him at sporting events. No doubt, he was a genuine person who did not candy coat things.
You’ve got to respect a person who tells it like it is, an intangible that seems to be lacking more and more in society. Though it may be painful, I would have rather someone tell me the truth instead of always killing me with kindness.
Oregon (4-3) remains on a track for the playoffs and should give injury-riddled Lutheran (5-2) a game this week. Additionally, the Hawks will be favored in the regular season finale against 2-5 Athens.
The Rochelle Hubs continue to put up big numbers in football, gaining over 600 yards rushing on a respectable Kaneland team. If Rochelle could sneak into 4A, they would have to be considered one of the favorites to win state.
The 5A class is brutally tough with a whole slew of Chicago area powerhouses. That’s another reason Dixon’s No. 2 ranking in 4A is suspect. There is huge drop off between 4A and 5A.
However, two years ago when Rochelle made the cut in 4A, the Hubs barely escaped in an overtime win against Dixon. Duke coach Jared Shaner does an excellent job of having his squad ready for any type of opponent.
With its third straight win, Lombard Montini (5-2) has wrapped up a berth in the 3A playoffs. About the only question left is what round they will meet Byron?
Ideally, it won’t be until the semifinals like last year. A major disadvantage for Byron is not having the same caliber of competition as Montini.
Comparing schedules, Montini has eight opponents better than anything Byron sees in the BNC, other than perhaps Dixon. When you enter into a situation like that, there is an initial adjustment a team has to make for speed and physicality.
It’s kind of like a shock to your system and something that a team must adapt to quickly. Byron survived similar scenarios with the likes of Elmhurst Immaculate Conception and Montini in the past, so it’s not like they are totally unprepared.
Andy Colbert is a longtime Ogle County resident with years of experience covering sports and more for multiple area publications.
